Funding briefs

The UK government is inviting views on whether a Large Facilities Research Council should be created to improve the strategic management of public investment in large research facilities such as telescopes, light sources and space programmes. The government is also looking at whether the funding arrangements for the physical sciences should be simplified in the wake of these changes, and what further measures could be taken by research councils to improve their effectiveness.
A report commissioned by the UK Office of Science and Technology shows that the UK produces around nine per cent of the world's PhDs and papers and achieves 12 per cent of the world's academic citations. Research productivity within the UK research community is the highest of any G8 country, according to the report, and ranks third globally. In 2004, the UK had the highest citation impact in biology and health. The impact of UK research has surpassed that in the US in some areas.
Pharmaceutical company Pfizer and the UK's Royal Society have launched a prize to promote the work of young scientists working in Africa . Winners of the Royal Society Pfizer Award will receive a personal award of �5000, together with �60 000 to carry out a programme of activities linked to an African centre of scientific excellence, such as a university research centre.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is inviting proposals for innovative bids in knowledge transfer within its sustainable urban environment (Sue) programme. The Sue programme aims to improve the quality of life of UK citizens, support sustainable development of the UK economy and meet the needs of users of EPSRC funded research. Deadline for applications is 13 June 2006.